German companies interested in Thar Coal

Federal Republic of Germany on Monday said some German companies have interest in the potential of Thar Coal. Germany has a big coal industry, a long history and expertise in the clean coal technology which reduces the environmental impact of energy generation from coal, said Samy Saadi, Head of Economic Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Talking to Vice President FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman, Chairman Media Malik Sohail, Founder President IWCCI Samina Fazil and others, the diplomat said that there is no general travel warning for Pakistan on the official website of German foreign ministry.

However, there is only partial warning for some areas, he added.

Samy Saadi said that Pakistan has great potential in renewables therefore some German renewable energy companies have visited Pakistan to sign deals while some are scheduled to arrive soon.

Nordex that has so far installed 4,878 wind power systems in almost all geographic regions across the globe is opening office in Islamabad within days, he said.

He informed that German Embassy is to hold trade shows in Islamabad and Karachi soon with the help of FPCCI in which small chambers will also be invited.

The diplomat said that the issue of circular debt will continue to trigger the energy crisis unless it is resolved. Germany is helping Pakistan to improve energy efficiency, he added.

Saadi said that German government is offering guarantees to businessmen who are reluctant to visit Pakistan adding that German agriculture companies are also taking keen interest in this promising market.

At the occasion, VP FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman assured full cooperation and expressed willingness to link with Middle East and South Asia Chamber of Commerce in Germany.

He said that Germany leads in cutting-edge technology which is costly in the beginning and very economical in the long run.

Mirza Abdul Rehman said that German exports to Pakistan stands at $947 million while her imports from Pakistan stood at $1.2 billion which needs to be boosted.

The seasoned business leader said that uniting and educating people related to agriculture can trigger development as current level of quality and production of fruits, dairy, vegetables and staple is relatively low for which German help is needed.

He also sought German help in improving pharmaceutical and surgical sectors and resuming fish export to EU, a 15.5 billion euro market.

Malik Sohail said that national leaders of the business community Tariq Sayeed, Iftikhar Ali Malik and Fazal Kadir Sherani view Germany as a good friend and reliable trading partner.